29. What academic or social advice would you offer to the incoming class?

Academic Advice

Grades DO matter.

If you really want a class, BID ON IT.

Try to test out of core classes if you have any previous experience. Don't stay in because you think it's an easy A and try to test out even if you are not sure that you will pass.

Talk to people about classes, and know why you are taking a class.

Think carefully about the balance between what sort of grades you want, along with campus group involvement, internships during the school year, social life & family. Don't worry about doing it all, because you can't.

Start strong at the beginning of each semester. Don't get behind.

Try to get as much out of your classes as possible by preparing for class and staying engaged in class.

Complete course work with your study team, even problem sets when allowed.

Consider taking a non-Haas course.

Attend the Required Skills Workshops in the summer - for both academic and social reasons.

Be balanced, aim for a good mix of academic and social pursuits. Allow yourself to be selfish once in a while.

Social Advice

Get to know people in small groups.

Be open to new experiences and step out of your comfort zone.

Define what you want out of business school and involve yourself with events that promote that end.

Enjoy as much as you can, but don't do it all.

Live in Berkeley for your first year.

Be in "yes" mode at the beginning and switch to "no" mode when you realize you're oversubscribed.

This is surely about having fun, but stay accountable and professional.

At Haas, coming together to get stuff done should be the foundation of your personal relationship building.

Make time to build relationships with your classmates early on.

MBA is all about prioritizing. Everyone is different. Make goals and hold yourself to them to make sure you get the experience you want.

You will have FOMO (fear of missing out). Everyone does! Try to be social but you don't need to go to everything.

Be open to everything and only THEN, choose wisely what you want to dedicate yourself to in order to really make the most out of your experience and not spread yourself too thin.

Be true to yourself and what matters to you. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, but you don't have to change who you are.

Don't be afraid to march to the beat of your own drum. Do what you want to do to make this a fulfilling experience for yourself.

Enjoy every minute... two years goes by way too fast!

Go on international treks with classmates. Although expensive, they are an incredible way to experience the world and bond with classmates.

Be sure to keep in touch with non-Haas people.

30. What is the one thing that a student must do in the Bay Area?

Swim in Hearst pool

Take advantage of living so close to SF

Eat at the Ferry Building in SF

Have a burrito in the Mission in SF

Explore wine country

Surf in the Pacific

Explore the East Bay parks

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge

Go up to the view point near the science building and watch the sun set over SF

Go to Yosemite

Spend a sunny afternoon at Dolores Park in SF

Attend Outside Lands

Take a road trip to Big Sur

Rent a house in Tahoe

Get a Cal Adventureship card learn how to sail and windsurf

Hike Mt. Tamalpais

Walk the Land's End Trail in SF

Walk along Crissy Field to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny day